http://forcatslovers.com/ en-us Copyright 2007 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 01:34:01 -0400 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Caring For Persian Cats These days, Persian cats are among the most popular breeds of cat. Well known for their gentle and sweet personalities and their long hair, Persian cats have very attractive features. They are great companions for virtually anyone, and not very demanding. Unlike other breeds, such as the Siamese breed, Persian breeds need very little attention. Although white is the color normally associated with Persian cats, they actually come in a variety of other colors as well. During competitions, they are divided into seven color divisions ? solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, particolor, bicolor, and Himalayan. No matter what color of Persian cat it may be, they are best noticed during competitions by their long and flowing coats. Persian cats should always be kept inside of the house, to protect their coat. If they travel outside, they can easily damage their coat. They will also need to be brushed daily with a metal comb, or their coat can become tangled, which will lead to hairballs. Youfll need to bathe your Persian cat on a regular basis as well, to help protect his coat. Bathing works best when the cat is young, as it will get him used to it. Bathing should never be overlooked, as it will keep your cats coat looking clean and healthy. Although some breeds can maintain their coats on their own, Persians canft. Their fur is long and dense and youfll need to groom them daily to ensure their coat stays healthy. The Persian breed is gentle and sweet, getting along great with everyone ? including kids. They have a pleasant voice that is always good to hear. Using their voice and their eyes, they can communicate very well with their owners. They are very playful, yet they donft require a lot of attention. They love attention however, and love being admired. Unlike other cats, they donft climb and jump much at all. They arenft destructive either; they just love being admired and lying around. A majority of the time, Persian cats love to bask in the sun and show others just how beautiful they truly are. Although most breeds can be kept indoors or outside, Persian cats should always be kept inside and never allowed to go outside of the house. Keeping them inside with protect their coats and also keep diseases and common parasites away from them as well. You wonft have to worry about cars or dogs either if you keep your pet inside. To ensure that your Persian pet stays healthy, you should always take him to the vet on an annual basis. If cared for properly, such as grooming, shots, and checkups, Persian cats can live as long as 20 years. One thing youfll need to be aware of thatfs common with Persians is their eyes. Their eyes are very big and can sometimes be too much for the cat to clean. This is a common healthy problem with the breed, and should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it doesnft get out of control. When you compare Persians to other breeds, youfll notice that the Persians are among the easiest to keep. You donft have to worry about things like jumping or climbing, as Persians donft like to do either. All youfll need to do is feed your cat and groom him or him on a daily basis. Even though grooming can be quite a bit of work in the long run ? itfs well worth it when you have a healthy an beautiful Persian cat.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/persian-cats/meow001110.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/persian-cats/meow001110.html 005Persian Cats Mon, 15 Oct 2007 01:34:01 -0400 The Amazing Cat Species We all know that cats are loving and truly wonderful creatures. These days, it isnft out of the ordinary to see a cat in virtually every other home, sleeping in the window or cuddling up on the laps of their owners. Although cats have been popular pets for as long as most can remember, they werenft domesticated less than 5,000 years or so ago. Domestication took place in the valley of the Nile, which is what research tells us today. In the beginning, people were very grateful to cats and encouraged them to stay with them by feeding them various scraps of food. Once they were fed and perceived humans to be no threat, the cats would move in permanently with their human owners. As time went by, even the wildest of cat would allows humans to approach him, often times even hold and touch as well. In those days, cats were very loyal and endearing pets. They proved to be great hunters, as they done their sleeping in short periods and were much easier to wake up than dogs. Cats also have better night vision than dogs, and much better hearing as well. If someone moved through the house or if they heard suspicious noises, they would wake while dogs would sleep right through it. Humans loved having cats around, and they seemed to get along good with dogs as well. These days, cats are used for both companionship and show. They arenft used much at all for hunting mice and rodent anymore at all. There are a lot of breeds available, from the traditional alley cat to the well known Siamese. All breeds are unique in their own way, and will provide you with years of companionship if you take care of them. Before you get a kitten or older cat, youfll first want to examine the source. If you are getting the kitten from a breeder, youfll want to make sure that the breeder has a reputable reputation. Youfll also want to ensure that the cattery is clean and in good shape. The kittens that are still there shouldnft be overcrowded, and their surroundings should be clean. The litter boxes there should be kept up and both the food and water dish should be clean and full. The kittens shouldnft be caged, instead free to run around. All cats that are there should appear healthy, with shiny coats and none of their ribs showing. When you get your kitten, it should be used to being touched and handled. The kitten should be sweet, not afraid in the least. Kittens that have been handled young normally have a better temperament. The better breeders wonft allow their kittens to leave the nest until they are around 12 weeks old, with some waiting until the kittens are 16 weeks. By doing this, breeders ensure that the kitten is in good health and his immune system has properly developed. Therefs no mistaken the fact that cats are great to own. You can get a kitten from a reputable breeder, through a local newspaper, or an adoption agency. Cats can also be obtained from a local pound, although people normally donft like to choose this option. No matter which way you decide to pursue, you should always make sure that your cat is healthy. If you get a healthy cat, you wonft have a lot of problems later on down the road. Healthy cats were taken care of ? and normally have everything up to date ? including their vaccinations.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/breeds-of-cats/meow001109.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/breeds-of-cats/meow001109.html 004Breeds of Cats Sun, 14 Oct 2007 02:02:49 -0400 Great Gifts For Cat Lovers There are a lot of great gifts that you can give to cat lovers, although photo frames are among the most popular. Photo frames are very affordable, and make a great gift for anyone who owns a cat or other pet. Those who own more than one cat will truly appreciate photo frames ? as it gives them a chance to show off their pet. Cat lovers can also frame pictures of their pet for memories as well ? and keep them forever and ever. Before you give a cat lover a gift, you should take into consideration what type of cat the person owns. There are several breeds out there, including tabby, pure breeds, calico, Persian, and of course the infamous Siamese breeds. Someone may own several cats as well, which is why you should know a little bit about the breed or breeds someone owns before you get them a gift. You should take into consideration whether or not the cat lover has an outdoor or indoor cat. Cats, unlike dogs, are more than happy to spend all of their time outdoors. Outdoor cats can be a lot of fun, especially if the owner spends a lot of time outdoors. Cats have a natural urge to go outside, even if the owner has an indoor cat. Cats who reside indoors are less exposed to sicknesses and common health problems that outdoor cats are exposed to. Indoor cats are almost always trained to use the litter box, which makes them easy to maintain for their owners. Nearly all gifts that you can get for a cat lover are designed for those who keep their pet indoors. If youfre looking for a humorous yet exciting gift, you can always give the gift of catnip. Catnip is one of the most popular treats for cats, as itfs a naturally occurring plant that has a unique affect on a cat. Catnip gives off aromatic oils that will often make cats appear to be drunk and very hyper ? which is always great entertainment for both owners and guests. Catnip is completely safe for cats to consume, often times being included with gifts such as chew toys and play balls. Other great gifts for cat lovers include decorative mats with cat pictures, which you can get personalized for the owner if you prefer. You can also give cat videos, musical cat dolls, cat shaped mail boxes, toys and treats, and various other goodies that are directed towards cat lovers. If you do your shopping on the Internet, youfll find that the possibilities are endless. Cats are very popular pets ? meaning that youfll have no trouble finding the perfect gift for the cat lover in your life.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/all-about-cats/meow001108.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/all-about-cats/meow001108.html 001All About Cats Sat, 13 Oct 2007 02:31:37 -0400 Things To Know About Abused Cats Cats that have been abused can appear severely maimed and damaged all over their exterior. Some may appear to be in perfect shape on the outside, although all of the damage they sustained may be internal or emotional. Even though physical damage is bad, emotional damage is much tougher to fix. Cats who have physical abuse will still answer to a soft touch and soft voice, as long as they know that the abuse has come to an end. When you have a cat that has been emotionally abused, youfll need to wait until the cat comes to you. Youfll need to use patience, as the cat will be confused and not know if you plan to hurt him or not. If you take your time and let him know that you are nothing to fear, he will eventually come to you. When he starts to come to you, you can let him sniff you and pet him. After a while, he will learn that he can trust you and he will come to you when you call him. Yelling, raising your voice, or using disciplinary tools such as flyswatters or water guns the wrong way can lead to emotional damage. If you continue to use the wrong means of discipline on an emotionally damaged cat, the cat can become mean or lethargic. When a cat turns mean, itfs not always a bad thing. Meaner cats are easier to reach, as they still care a bit about what happens to them ? while lethargic cats could really care less. Cats that have become lethargic wonft play, take treats, or respond to anything you say to them. With a lethargic cat, the ideal way to get him to respond is to bring in a companion cat. Over time, a lethargic cat will eventually look for attention, normally a scratch or a pat. When this happens, you should always use a soft voice and snuggle with him. Never raise your voice at this point, and make sure you let the cat know that his behavior is a lot better. You should make slow movements around a lethargic cat, as he is still quite traumatic. Once he is coming around and letting you touch him again, he is getting back to his normal self. Keep in mind that it may take some time, which is to be expected with this type of situation. If your cat starts to get upset again or if you raise your voice, he will hide again. If you continue to use a soft voice and have patience, your cat will eventually get past this. If you get a cat that is lethargic, you should prepare yourself for a long and very intensive healing period. Angry or mean cats on the other hand, will either fight and scratch with you, or simply run away from you. With mean cats, the best thing to do is use gentle treatment with a soft voice. You can never try to raise your voice or use strict discipline, as it will only make the cat meaner. Never attempt to trap the cat either, as trapping it will only make the cat react. If you take your time and let the cat know that you are there for him, he will eventually calm down. Abused cats are truly a sad thing, although they are out there. Abused cats can be a sad thing to see indeed, especially those that were physically abused. Abused cats need a loving home and a loving owner who will give them the type of lifestyle they deserve. Always remember that if you are dealing with an abused cat ? you should always be as gentle as you possibly can.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/all-about-cats/meow001107.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/all-about-cats/meow001107.html 001All About Cats Fri, 12 Oct 2007 03:00:25 -0400 Cats And Ring Worm Ringworm is a very common form of skin disease that is found in both dogs and cats. Although its name makes you think otherwise, this skin disease isnft caused by any type of worm. Itfs actually caused by fungi known as Dermatophytes that feed on dead tissues found in the surface of the skin, spreading them around the skin of the animal. With cats, there is a certain type of fungi known as M Canis that is found with nearly 95% of all ringworm cases. Normally, cats will get the ringworm disease from contaminated objects like bedding, clippers, or another animal that already has the disease. If there are animals in your home or around your house that have the ringworm disease, your cat could very easily contract it this way. If you have kittens or cats that are under a year old in your home, you should always use precaution, as they are more susceptible to ringworm. Kittens can easily contract the disease, especially if you allow them to go outside. They can easily come in contact with a contaminated object or another cat that has the disease. Kittens take a long time to build their immune system up, and in the meantime they are more apt to get common disease such as ringworm. The most common symptoms of ringworm in cats are rough or broken hairs, or hair loss around the head or the paws. Ringworm can easily be identified by a patch of scaly skin on the body that appears itchy and inflamed. There will also be broken hairs around the patch of scaly skin. This area is very sensitive, and you should never try to touch it, as it will hurt your cat. If you notice any of the above symptoms with your pet, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. If the vet diagnosis your cat with ringworm, he may prescribe ointment or tablets. What he describes however, will determine on how serious the ringworm is. If he prescribes tablets to your cat, you should give them with meals. Ointment on the other hand, is normally spread into the coat, topically. You should always use what your vet prescribes on a daily basis, to ensure that your cat heals. The healing process will take time, normally around six weeks or more. Cats that have ringworm should be labeled as infectious. If you have children in the house, you should keep them away from your pet. Whenever you handle your cat, you should always use gloves. Ringworms are contagious, and you should always use caution. Even though itfs a mild disease, ringworm can result in serious problems due to the slow recovery time and fact that itfs contagious.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cats-health/meow001106.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cats-health/meow001106.html 002Cats Health Thu, 11 Oct 2007 03:29:13 -0400 Common Meanings Of Cat Behavior A lot of people think that cats work on their own agenda, not paying much attention to their owner ? provided they have clean litter, food, and water. Cats can behave in odd manners at times, which can easily confuse their owners and make it really hard to determine what the cat wants. As much as cat behavior can be confusing, there are some ways that you can solve common cat behavior mysteries. A common behavior that almost all cats do is push their heads into any type of object that will allow them to do it. Youfve probably seen your cat do this before, probably against table legs, TV stands, or another object. This can be noticed more when you have other people who own animals or those with allergies over at your house. When a cat notices this, he will rub his head against the person. In doing so, he will put a touch of saliva on the individual. In a catfs mind, he owns what he puts his saliva on. By putting his saliva on something, that object or person will have a familiar scent. Although this can be very annoying, you have to understand that other people in your home are seen as odd or weird to your cat. When a cat does this, he is simply trying to make the visitor belong. When he brushes up against them and puts his saliva on them, he is trying to put his scent on them ? which in his mind will mean that they belong in his territory. Even though marking someone or something with saliva is beneficial to the cat, saliva is one of the most common forms of pet allergies. When someone wipes the saliva off of them, the scent will be gone and the cat will go back and attempt to do it again. Even though it may appear that cats target those with allergies, cats are actually just trying to make the visitor belong at the house. If the guest simply cannot take the saliva, allow the cat to rub himself on their pants leg a few times. Normally, this is all takes for a cat to leave the person alone. Those of you who an indoor cat should expect the cat to spend quite a bit of time lying near windows. During this time, you may hear your cat make very strange noises or weird movements. You shouldnft fear though, as he is simply acting out his hunting instincts. Whether itfs another cat or object outside moving about, the cat will see it and simply go into his native hunting instinct. As most already know, cats love to play. They love to played with, especially with toys. They will pounce on things on occasion, which should always be expected. If you try to prevent this type of behavior, your cat will take a very negative approach and youfll end up with a lot of broken things in your home. You can always play with your cat using a string, as he will love to chase the string around the room. The longer you own your cat, the more odd behavior youfll see him exhibit. Cats behave in strange ways, although they always have a reason for behaving the way they do. If you can understand why your cat behaves like he does, youfll have no problems keeping him healthy and happy. If you simply pay attention to your cat and the way he behaves at times ? youfll be able to understand him better than ever before.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cats-behavior/meow001105.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cats-behavior/meow001105.html 007Cats Behavior Wed, 10 Oct 2007 03:58:01 -0400 Things To Know Before Breeding Your Cat The population of cats is the United States alone is unbelievable. Nearly all experts will tell you that you should spay your cat instead of breed it. No matter what experts have to say, a lot of people want to have a litter of kittens from their cat. Before you decide to breed your cat, there are a few things that you should think about. The first thing you should know is that breeding cats takes time. For the next two months after the litter is born, youfll need to clean the area on a daily basis. Youfll also need to watch over the kittens as well, and keep a close eye on how they are developing. If you plan to breed a litter of cats, you wonft have time for much of anything else. Breeding cats will also require a good degree of space as well. If you have a small apartment, you shouldnft attempt to breed a cat. You should also make sure that your family agrees with the idea, as it isnft good for the kittens if you keep them locked up. Keep in mind that kittens like to see things; theyfll end up going all over your home as well. Breeding cats also requires a degree of responsibility as well. You should always have a plan of approach, including homes for the kittens to go that you arenft planning to keep. Keep in mind that things can change, someone who wanted a cat may change his mind once the litter is born. In this event, you must decide whether or not you can keep a kitten that doesnft have a home. Breeding also requires some education as well. You should be prepared for any problems along the way, as well as what takes place during birth. From cutting umbilical cords to delivering early, youfll need to be well prepared. You should also have the proper supplies, and know how to handle things in the event of a c-section. Youfll also need to know what to feed pregnant cats, as their diets are very important if you are breeding. Breeding will also cost money as well, with kittens costing a lot more money than you may think. The food isnft the only thing thatfs expensive, as the vet bills can also get expensive. Even though you may go through the entire pregnancy without going to the vet, youfll still need de-worming and vaccination medicines as well. In short, there is a lot to think about where breeding is concerned. If you have your mind set on it and you want to breed, you should be sure that you have the proper knowledge and everything you need before hand. You should always be ready to handle anything associated with breeding ? and prepare yourself for the worst possible scenario.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/all-about-cats/meow001104.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/all-about-cats/meow001104.html 001All About Cats Tue, 09 Oct 2007 04:26:49 -0400 The Cruelty Of Claw Removal Cats use their claws for various purposes. The claws are important to cats, as they are an essential part of balancing. If youfve ever noticed a cat jumping and latching on to a high object, youfve probably noticed that he uses his claws to pull himself up. When climbing trees, cats tend to use their claws to latch onto the bark and climb towards their destination. Cats also use their claws for stretching, walking, and running as well. The claws are also a catfs primary source of defense against other animals and humans as well. Most cats keep their claws extremely sharp, as their claws and teeth are basically their only weapons. The claws are also essential for using the bathroom as well, as cats use them to cover up their mess with dirt. Cats also use their claws to scratch things, which mark their territory. Their claws have glands, which contain a secretion. When they leave their mark on something, the secretion is transferred to the area they scratched. This is detectable to other cats although not to humans. Sometimes, they will also scratch something to remove the older claw which will fall off and give them a brand new claw that resides underneath. As sad as it is, a lot of pet owners choose to put their own possessions above their cat, such as their expensive furniture or carpets. These cat owners are afraid that they cat will ruin their furniture or carpet, and therefore will choose to get their cat de-clawed. Getting a catfs claws removed is a surgical procedure, one that can only be performed by a veterinarian. The owner will need a good reason though, as a vet wonft do the surgery just to keep onefs furniture or carpet protected. If youfve been thinking of getting your cat de-clawed, you should know that the process can totally change his personality. Once the cat is de-clawed, he will be in pain and confused. He may not be able to jump in the window or on the couch, and he may not be able to play like he once did. Some cats, after being de-clawed, tend to get aggressive and bite with their teeth. To make a long story short, the cat will be completely miserable ? which is a tough thing to bear for those who love their cats. Those who decide to own cats should know that a cat can scratch on occasion. If someone isnft prepared to deal with that fact, they shouldnft own a cat in the first place. Cats are great pets, although they do have claws and they will use them on occasion. There are plenty of other great pets out there, if you arenft up for handling a cat. If youfre just worried about your furniture or carpet, there are ways that you can keep your cat from scratching on your belongings. The first thing to do is to get your cat a scratching post and let him know where it is and how to use it. You can also get a rush mat as well, which will help your cat with his instincts to scratch. You may have to demonstrate how to use the mat or the post at first, although your cat should catch onto it quick. Once you have shown him the ropes, he will scratch on the post or the mat ? and not your furniture or your carpet. Although many donft realize it, there are other ways to protect your things other than getting your cat de-clawed. Getting a catfs claws removed is very painful and confusing to the cat, and may totally change his outlook on things. Before you decide to take the inhumane path of getting your cat de-clawed, you should look into your other available options- your cat will like these options much better.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cats-health/meow001103.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cats-health/meow001103.html 002Cats Health Mon, 08 Oct 2007 04:55:37 -0400 Curing Bad Cat Breath Cat owners know for a fact that bad cat breath can be downright awful. It isnft that much different from bad human breath, as both are caused by bacteria found in the mouth that breaks protein down and releases the sulfur compounds out into the air. Sulfur smells really bad on its own, which is why breath containing it smells bad as well. The bacterium that causes bad breath with cats is normally associated with a buildup of tartar around the teeth. Tartar is yellow in color, known as a coating of bacteria, food, and minerals. To cure your cat from bad breath, youfll need to remove the buildup of tartar. There are several cat foods out there that are designed to reduce the buildup of tartar, many containing enzymes that will literally dissolve it. You can also give your cat treats as well, as many of them will help eliminate and prevent tartar. If the buildup of tartar is bad, you may need to have your catfs teeth professionally cleaned. Once the tartar has been removed, the bad breath will go away. You may be able to clean the tartar off your catfs teeth at home. There are several toothpastes available for pets, available in several different flavors. Youfll need to get a mechanical toothbrush, as the motion is very important for removing tartar buildup. Toothpastes that contain enzymes will dissolve tartar, helping to cure bad breath. If you start early with brushing your catfs teeth, you can virtually eliminate any type of tartar buildup that will ultimately lead to bad breath. Some bacteria that lead to tartar can be found in your catfs diet. When you feed him, you should always make sure that the food he consumes doesnft contain a lot of bacteria. If you shop healthy and feed him only healthy foods, it can help his bad breath a great deal. When you give your pet a treat, make sure that the treat is designed to help with tartar. After your cat has finished eating, you can brush his teeth or rinse his mouth out. This way, youfll get the bacteria out of his mouth before it has time to build up on his teeth. Sometimes, cats may have a bad odor in their mouth that doesnft come from tartar or bad breath in general. In these rare cases, it can be either liver or kidney disease. If you notice bad breath and it isnft tartar, you should take your cat to the vet. Even though it may be something to do with tartar, itfs better to be safe than sorry. Your veterinarian can pinpoint the problem, let you know what the cause is ? and how you should go about fixing it.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cats-health/meow001102.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cats-health/meow001102.html 002Cats Health Sun, 07 Oct 2007 05:24:25 -0400 Cats Bonding With Their Owners There are a lot of experts out there who say that cats are strictly independent animals. These very same experts state that cats have chosen to associate with humans due to their strategy of survival. Although many argue with this statement, there are many who agree as well ? although those that agree are normally those in the percentile who donft agree with cats. Anyone who has owned a cat will tell you that cats are great at bonding with people, although they are very particular. Normally, a cat will choose someone in the home that he bonds with. Youfll know when a cat wants to bond with you, as he will hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping. Purring is a strong sign of affections, especially with cats that are looking to bond. Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with. It could be the individualfs manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat. Perhaps it may be the individual is really gentle, or maybe a little more forceful ? bringing the best out in the cat. There are a lot of ways that researchers have tried to take this subject, one of which being psychic. Some say that cats bond with someone due to a gpsychic aurah that is compatible with both the person and the cat. If a cat feels that someone is giving them a bad vibe, they will simply ignore that person. Although this can be true to a sense for some, a majority of those who own cats will tell you that this couldnft be any further from the truth. Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans. Therefs little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival. Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed. They love to be pampered by their owners, and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance. Those who are new to owning cats may find bonding to be very different. Cats are different from other animals, including dogs, in the sense that they bond different. Different breeds of cats will bond different with their owners, although most prefer affection and attention. The more time you spend around your cat, the more he will bond with you. Over the years, youfll find that the bond you create with your pet has grown very strong ? and simply cannot be broken.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/all-about-cats/meow001101.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/all-about-cats/meow001101.html 001All About Cats Sat, 06 Oct 2007 05:53:13 -0400 Keeping Cats Out Of Your Garden Your first line of defense when keeping cats out of your garden is to make sure that you have your boundaries secure. If there are any gaps in your fence, you should make sure that you block them to prevent any low access. Cats are very agile animals, and can jump very high. Normally they can jump a fence, which is why you should also invest in string or taut wire across the top. If a cat has made his way into your garden, it may be hard to get him out. Most people choose to use dogs, simply because dogs are known to dislike cats. There are several dog breeds out there that completely dislike cats, such as pit bulls and Dobermans. Cats are completely fearful of these breeds, and will flee if they see them around. All cats are known to despise water as well. If you spot a cat in your garden, water almost always gets him out. All it takes is a bucket of water or a well aimed squirt with a garden hose to make him run away. After you have hit the cat with water several times, he should get the hint not to come back anymore. If he comes back, simply squirt him or throw more water on him until he gets the idea. Protecting your plants is a different story. Mothballs are said to be very effective, as cats donft like the smell. You can use mothballs around your plants, garden borders, or even along the fence. There are other repellents that you can use as well, such as cayenne peppers, tobacco, lavender oil, citronella oil, mustard oil, and even lemon grass oil. If you visit your local hardware or lawn store, you can find motion activated sprinklers. They work great in keeping cats out of your garden. Once you install the sprinkler system and a cat comes into the area, the detector will pick up the catfs presence and immediately shoot out a jet of water that will douse the cat. In most cases, all it takes is a few times of exposure to the sprinkler before a cat learns to stay out of that area. Sound devices that feature high frequencies are also a great way to scare off cats, although they arenft annoying to humans. You can find several different models, such as those that stay on all the time, and those that are motion detected. To use this type of device, youfll need to make sure that the model you have is strong enough to cover the entire area. If you model you are using is strong enough to cover your entire garden, it should suffice in scaring off any unwanted animals. You can also use commercial repellents as well. Commercial repellents use scents to keep cats away, and shouldnft be used near any food crops. Due to their high chemical content, commercial repellents can pollute your crops. You can find them at your local department store, with several varieties to choose from, many of which will fend off other animals from your garden as well. If you have a garden, it can be very annoying if cats and other animals decide to make your garden their home. If you stick to your guns and do your part, you can prevent them from bothering your garden or your crops. Once you have secured your boundaries around the garden, you should try using water first. If water doesnft seem to work, you can look into another method, such as commercial repellents.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cat-care/meow001100.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cat-care/meow001100.html 003Cat Care Fri, 05 Oct 2007 06:22:01 -0400 Tips For Stopping Spraying Anytime your cat backs himself up to a door or other object in your house, lifts his tail, and releases urine ? you have a problem. This problem is known as spraying, and is very common with cats kept indoors. Even though it is a very annoying problem, itfs a problem that can be solved. Contrary to what many think, spraying isnft a litter box problem, but rather a problem with marking. Cat urine that is sprayed contains pheromones, which is a substance that cats and other animals use for communicating. Pheromones are much like fingerprints with humans, as they are used to identify the cat to other animals. When a cat sprays something, he is simply marking his territory through his urine. The spraying is simply the catfs way of letting others know that the territory is his. Even though it may make you mad and annoy you, getting angry with your cat will solve nothing. If you raise your voice or show angry towards your cat, it can very well result in more spraying. Cats that are in heat are easily attracted to the odor of urine. For cats in heat, spraying is more or less an invitation for love. Often times cats that spray while in heat results in a litter of kittens that are born in just a few short months. Keep in mind that cats not only spray during heat, as some will also spray during encounters with other cats, or when they are feeling stressed. Although spraying is a way of communicating for cats, the smell for people is horrible. The good thing here is that most cats will do a majority of their spraying outdoors. If you have an indoor cat that never goes outside, spraying can indeed be a problem. If youfve noticed spraying in your home, you should take action and do something about it immediately. The most effective and also the easiest way to stop spraying is to have your cat either neutered or spayed, which of course depends on the sex. Most male cats that have been neutered will stop spraying the same day they have the surgery. If you donft want to get your cat neutered or spayed, you should look into other options. If you hope to one day breed your cat, you certainly donft want to have him neutered or spayed. The best thing to do in this situation is to talk to your veterinarian. He will be able to give you advice, and possibly even solve the problem without having surgery. There may be a medical problem present that is causing the problem, which your vet can identify. You should always do something about spraying the moment it starts ? simply because cat urine stinks and it can leave stains all over your home.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cats-behavior/meow001099.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cats-behavior/meow001099.html 007Cats Behavior Thu, 04 Oct 2007 06:50:49 -0400 An In Depth Look At Siamese Cats The exotic and somewhat mysterious Siamese cat hails from the country of Thailand. They had always been a popular breed of cats, some even residing in royal palaces. Siamese cats, in the past, were trusted to protect royal palaces and monasteries from evil spirits. These cats were also thought of as bringing good fortune to their owners as well. During the year of 1884, the very first Siamese cats began to make their way to England, when they were given as gifts to a British general. After that, they eventually made their way over to America. Now days, Siamese cats are one of the most recognized of the breed. Siamese cats are without a doubt the most popular short haired cat and among the top 3 in the entire breed of cats. Even though there are several different colors to this breed, some questions what makes a cat a true Siamese cat. These cats have always been known for their bodies which are lighter in color, with darker areas throughout. The more darker areas found on their bodies are normally around the feet, tail, legs, or face. They can weight anywhere between 6 - 16 lbs, with bright eyes that are normally slanted - which is another clue that the cat is a true Siamese. Traditionally, Siamese cats are robust, with round heads and a truly muscular build. They are well known throughout the world for their color points and unique personalities. Unlike other breeds, Siamese breeds have a talent for communicating with people. If you are looking for a cat that is nice and quiet, you wouldnft want a Siamese cat. These cats love to play, love to make noise, and they also happen to be the most social breed of cats out there. Siamese cats demand a lot of attention, because in their minds, they believe that the world revolves around them. For this very reason, they can tend be quite dependant on their owners. They love to play, and crave interaction. If you leave them alone for too long, they wonft like it. They like to get attention, love to play, and hate to be left by themselves. Even though Siamese cats are emotionally high maintenance, they donft need a lot of maintenance They need a minimum amount of grooming, which involves bathing every once in a while, and brushing maybe once or twice a month. If you like cats with minimal maintenance, Siamese cats are perfect. Their hair is short to their skin, so a gentle brushing is all you need. They can get sick however, which is to be expected with any breed of cat. Siamese cats have a life span that is similar to other breeds, which is normally around 15 - 20 years, sometimes even longer. As long as you feed him on a daily basis and take him to the vet for his regular checkups and shots, he will be around for years and years to come. Most people who have their Siamese cat for over 10 years, find the cat to be more like a child than a pet. No matter how you look at it, a Siamese cat is a great pet. Although the Siamese breed does require a lot of attention, they are excellent pets that you can spend a lot of time with. They are great for kids as well, simply because kids can spend a lot of time with them. As long as you give your pet the attention he craves - he will be your life long friend for as long as you have him.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/siamese-cats/meow001098.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/siamese-cats/meow001098.html 006Siamese Cats Wed, 03 Oct 2007 07:19:37 -0400 Taking Care Of Cats These days, cats are among the most popular pet you can own. There are several breeds available, with the most popular being Persian and Siamese. Cats are a domesticated animal, with origins dating back some 8,000 years and beyond. Like any other pet that you may own, including dogs, cats cost money to take care of properly. When you get a cat, youfll need to think about the costs. Youfll obviously need food, and youfll also need to plan ahead for vet costs. Youfll also need litter, which can tend to get quite expensive as the years go by. Your cat will need a litter box, food dish, and water dish. You should also invest in some toys as well, such as a scratching post, cat toys, a pet carrier, and a bed. You should also look into getting an ID collar as well, just in case your cat ever gets lost. Feeding your pet will depend a great deal on his age. Older cats require two small meals or one large meal for the day. Kittens on the other hand, require several feedings a day until they get around the age of 12 weeks. Cats that are between three and six months of age need to be fed three times a day. Canned food can be fed to cats, although any food that has been left out longer than 30 minutes need to be disposed of. Canned food can get expensive fast, and you should always keep in mind that some may need to be thrown away when you buy it. Cats loved canned food, although it doesnft have any benefits to their dental health like dry food does. As an alternative plan, you can always leave a supply of dry food out for your pet. When you give your cat dry food, you should always make sure that he has enough water. Dry food costs less than canned food, and it can also help to prevent the buildup of tartar on your catfs teeth. When you buy dry food, you should always look in terms of health and benefits, and stay away from generic food. Even though generic food may be cheaper, it may not offer the nutrients your pet needs. If you own a kitten, you should only give you kitten food designed for him. Youfll also need to clean and refill his water dish every day. Even though kittens and adult cats like cowfs milk, you should avoid giving it to them as it can cause diarrhea. Treats are fine on occasion, although too many of them can cause your pet to get fat. Feeding your kitten human food is good on occasion, although you may have to mix it in with his cat food. By themselves, cats stay fairly clean. Although you donft have to bathe them that often, youfll need to give them a brushing at least once a day. Brushing will reduce the risk of hairballs and keep your catfs coat nice and clean. If you are keeping your cat indoors, youfll need to have a litter box in an area that is easy for your cat to access. You should always scoop it on a daily basis, and clean it out once a week. Cats donft like to use dirty litter boxes, they prefer for it to be nice and clean. Although cats do require some work, they are great pets that will provide you with years and years of companionship. As long as you take care of your cat and take him to the vet for his checkups, he should remain healthy. Even though cats can get sick from time to time ? knowing how to care for him will make a world of difference.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cat-care/meow001097.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/cat-care/meow001097.html 003Cat Care Tue, 02 Oct 2007 07:48:25 -0400 Tips For Introducing Cats When you decide to add a new cat to your home, itfs normally more exiting for you and your family than it is for the cat you already own. Although most cats are solitary by nature, most will also come to accept or eventually tolerate any additions. Cats can be very territorial, which is why you should always be careful when you introduce a new cat to your current cat. If you are introducing kittens to one another, the entire introduction process can be short, lasting as little as 10 ? 15 days. Introducing cats to each other all depends on their temperament and their personality. When you introduce a new cat to your current cat, you should always make sure that you give your current cat plenty of love and attention. This way, your cat will feel secure and know that he isnft in competition with your new cat for affection. When you bring your new cat home, you should let him stay in a safe room until you have finished introducing the cats. Your safe room can be any small room in your home, such as a bathroom or spare bedroom. The key here is to use a room that your current cat doesnft go in. In the room, you should leave your new cat a scratching post, bed, water dish, litter box, and food dish. At first, your current cat may howl and hiss when he stands at the door, trying to tell the other cat that he doesnft belong. When this happens you should ignore it, as punishing your cat for his behavior will only lead to more problems. After a while, the first cat will start to act calm when he is near the new catfs door. As he starts to act calm, you should pet him and give him praise. When your first cat starts to go by your new catfs door and doesnft howl or hiss; you can start introducing them to each other. The best way to do this is to get them used to each others scent. You can start letting them eat out of the same food dish, although youfll want to feed them at different intervals at first. This way, the scent of each cat will be present at the food dish, and each cat will get the scent when he eats his food. Once both cats have got used to the scent, you can begin to feed them closer together. To do this, you should keep your new cat in the safe room with the door closed, and your first cat on the other side of the door with his food dish. This time, feed both cats at the same time. After doing this a few times, they should start eating without any hissing or growling. At this point, they are ready to be introduced to one another. When you introduce them to each other in the same room, a bit of growling and hissing is to be expected. Although they may be used to each others scent; your first cat will still feel a bit awkward with your new cat being in his territory. You should play with them both at first, so they can smell one another and greet in their own way. If they start to fight you should break them up, and give them some time apart. It may take some time to get them fully used to one another, although once they do ? they will become playmates for life. Cats love to be social, although it may be a bit rough at first, especially for your first cat. Cats can be very territorial, especially if you have a kitten around. If you get both of them used to each other early on ? it will be a lot easier to add future cats to your home.]]> http://forcatslovers.com/cats/all-about-cats/meow001096.html http://forcatslovers.com/cats/all-about-cats/meow001096.html 001All About Cats Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:17:13 -0400